Outline

Introduction: Only few data are available on the efficacy and safety of novel antibiotic agents in critically ill surgical patients. The aim of this prospective observational study was to document the efficacy and safety of tigecycline in the treatment of hospitalized, severely ill surgical patients with complicated infections. Clinical data from this collective of patients, who might profit from the use of a new broad spectrum antibiotic and in whom treatment failures are associated with a substantial morbidity and mortality, are urgently needed.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated the efficacy and safety of tigecycline in a population of severely ill patients with complicated surgical infections. Prospective observational trials allow moreover to assess the treatment behaviour of responsible clinicians.